Glenbard North captures first regional title since 2002

FRANKLIN PARK - Defeating Lake Park for a third time wasn't easy Friday night. But in the playoffs, style points don't count for anything.

With its defense coming up with big stops down the stretch, Glenbard North came away with a 48-44 win over the Lancers in the Leyden Class 4A regional final.

The regional championship was the program's first since 2012 and sends the team on to Wednesday's Bartlett sectional semifinal against Proviso East.

Trailing 38-37 heading into the final eight minutes, the Panthers took the lead for good on a free throw by Justin Jackson with 2:55 left on the clock. Kendall Holbert added two made free throws and Jeremiah Fleming added a free throw in the closing stages.

More importantly, Glenbard North forced Lake Park into three turnovers in the final two minutes. Jackson also blocked an attempted shot during that stretch.

Glenbard North led 15-11 after one quarter but watched as the Lancers went on a 16-8 run in the second quarter to take a 27-23 advantage into intermission.

Chip Flanigan finished with 14 points and Fleming also checked into double figures with 11.